Deacon Turner Guidry "Roast"

Since 1997, parish priests, interim priests and supply priests have come and gone at Good Shepherd; parishioners have joined and parishioners have moved away – many to their eternal home; children have grown up and gone off to continue lives elsewhere; the parish hall/kitchen was torn down and rebuilt ; bathrooms and an elevator were added; ministries have come and gone. Good Shepherd has experienced nothing but change and transformation throughout its history, but there are four persons who have been an abiding presence – Father, Son, Holy Spirit -- and Turner Guidry!

Okay, so I may be guilty of blasphemy (but reportedly, I’m in good company with this summer’s campers at Camp Henry). But think about it: Turner has been a constant presence at Good Shepherd throughout good times and bad, gracefully assisting each priest at the altar during Eucharist, and supporting them behind the scenes in ways we will never know. He has preached powerful sermons and privately counseled unknown numbers of youth and adults through the crises in their lives. You may think you haven’t been impacted directly by Turner Guidry, but believe me, everyone one of us has benefitted from his ministry at Good Shepherd and in the community.

There are three ways you can help celebrate Turner’s 20-year milestone as a deacon: You can write a note of your appreciation or send in a picture or story -- especially if it’s humorous! You can attend the Turner Guidry Roast and Dinner at 5:30 on September 23rd, And, you can contribute to the Bethel-Guidry Scholarship fund in his honor.

The September 23rd “Roast” will be a Louisiana-themed dinner to honor Turner’s heritage. Jambalaya and beverages will be supplied by the church with suggested side dishes and desserts to be provided by the congregation. A sign-up sheet will be posted soon. Wine and beer will be available. Doors will open at 5:30 with supper to be served at 6pm. The dinner will include opportunities to write a note to Turner as well as to contribute to the scholarship fund if you have not already done so.

The Rev. Dr. Delmer Chilton will be Master of Ceremonies for the program, so you know we are in for an evening of laughter and surprises. We need more photos and stories to go into a scrapbook and DVD for Turner to keep. Please send your contribution to rachel.baughn@gmail.com or put it in her Vestry mailbox. And, of course, Dog Breath will be worked into the celebration in several ways. (If you don’t know what that is, come find out!)